Pregnancy is a nine-month journey but the care and precautions start way before. Pre-pregnancy planning is important as it will prepare you for pregnancy. Planning will help you have a healthy pregnancy and be aware of the changes you need to make to your lifestyle. Many times, you are skeptical about vaccines and whether it is advisable to get vaccinated or not. So, here in this blog, you will find a complete guide regarding vaccinations before pregnancy that will clear all your doubts.
Pre-Pregnancy Vaccines -
Your health and your baby’s health are the most important. These vaccinations play an integral part in the well-being of you and your baby. The anti-bodies developed in the mother’s body protect both the mother and the baby against serious infections. Make sure your vaccination records are up-to-date.
1. Measles- Mumps- Rubella Vaccine (MMR)- Make sure you are vaccinated against Measles, Mumps and Rubella because these diseases can cause serious infections and put the mother’s and the unborn child’s health at risk.
a. Getting infected with Measles can increase the risk of pre term birth and miscarriage. The MMR vaccine protects from this hazardous infection.
b. Mumps infection during the first trimester has often resulted in still born babies at birth and it’s best to be vaccinated against this deadly disease.
c. Pregnant woman infected with Rubella could suffer a miscarriage or the child will be born with defects, including, eye, heart and brain defects. It can also cause Congenital Rubella Syndrome.
Hence, it is important to take these vaccines before you are pregnant to be protected. Before you take the vaccine shot, consult your doctor and get a blood test done to see if you are immune to these diseases. After you take this booster shot get another blood test done to check your immunity against these diseases. It is advised to wait 4 weeks after you get your MMR vaccine before you start your pregnancy planning.
2. Human Papillomavirus Vaccine- Another vaccine to be taken before pregnancy is against Human Papillomavirus as it is the most sexually transmitted infection. This vaccine against HPV helps prevent cervical cancer and genital warts. It also prevents cancer of the vulva, vagina, anus, mouth and pharynx. Cases of cervical cancer and breast cancer are increasing in India. Hence, it is important to take this vaccine before pregnancy and not during pregnancy. Women with child bearing age and from age 9 to age 26 should take the vaccine. In some cases, and after consulting the doctor, women aged 27-45 too can be vaccinated.
3. Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine- Chickenpox is a highly infectious disease. It causes skin rash, itchy skin and fever. If you contract chickenpox during pregnancy then it can cause complications such as deadly pneumonia. It can also cause birth defects resulting in low birth weight and health issues. It is important to take vaccination against chickenpox before you get pregnant and not during pregnancy. Wait for one month after getting this vaccine before you get pregnant.
4. Hepatitis B Vaccination- Another vaccination that you should take pre-pregnancy is Hepatitis B which is taken in three doses spread over 6 months. Hepatitis B damages the liver and can be transmitted to the unborn child which can cause liver infections in the baby later in adult life. You can start to plan your pregnancy after one month of taking this vaccine.
5. Influenza (Flu Shot)- As a precautionary measure, it is advised to take vaccine for flu. Getting flu while you are pregnant can cause preterm birth and preterm labour. Babies born prematurely may have more health problems. So, take the shot before or during pregnancy to avoid complications.
After you have taken all the vaccinations you are safe to conceive a baby. To keep a check on when you are ovulating, you can calculate your ovulation window. Having sex when you are ovulating will increase your chance of pregnancy. It is best to speak with your doctor regarding vaccination before pregnancy to reduce complications and have a healthy pregnancy.